Bike lane upgrade threatens healthcare access, say seniors

Seniors and disability advocates want the City of Vancouver to reconsider its plans for a separated bike lane that would eliminate dozens of metered parking spaces in a neighbourhood full of medical services. 

"I'm very concerned, especially for seniors, because the proposal is to take away 77 parking meters in the biggest medical facilities precinct in the province," said Vancouver senior Raymond Greenwood. 

The area that's often referred to as the city's "healthcare precinct" is a stretch of 10th Avenue that runs from Cambie Street to Oak Street.

It's a very busy east-west route that's used by people in vehicles going to various clinics and Vancouver General Hospital, as well as by pedestrians and cyclists.

The city is considering three proposals to upgrade the corridor and each includes at least one separated bike path that would require removing existing street parking. 

"I just don't think it's a very well thought out idea," said Jane Dyson, executive director of the Disability Alliance B.C. 

"There are a lot of people who are coming for medical appointments and they need to be able to park near where they're going." 

Divert the bike route

The 10th Avenue bikeway runs from Victoria Drive to Trafalgar Street and, according to the city, is one of the busiest cycling routes in Vancouver. 

Dyson and Greenwood say the four block portion of the bike route in question should be moved off 10th Avenue, to another street north or south of West Broadway. 

"I think maybe move the bike lane to say, Eighth Avenue down there or somewhere else, certainly not on 10th Avenue anywhere from the 500 to 900 block," said Greenwood.

Dyson agrees it should be possible to find a way around the situation.

"I think it's about four blocks so surely to goodness there can be a way to divert the bike route." 

Cyclists disagree 

Cyclists, however, don't think so, and say it just makes sense to leave the bike route where it is on 10th Avenue.

"It's an established bike route," said Jeff Lee of the bike advocacy group HUB Cycling.

"There's no easy alternative a block away." 

City staff have been meeting with stakeholders since May to address ideas and concerns after two initial phases of public consultation, said a city spokesperson in an email. 

Toward the end of November, there will be a number of open houses for the public to provide feedback on staff recommendations.

The final recommendations are anticipated to go to council for approval in early spring.  

"I really wish the city would reconsider. I think it would be great to get a good news story for people with disabilities and seniors," said Dyson.